South Slave Divisional Education Council

Nominations Extended: Premier’s Awards, Dave Ramsden Award and Kristine McLeod Award

The nomination period for the 2025-26 Premier’s Awards, 2026 Dave Ramsden Career Excellence Award and 2026 Kristine McLeod Emerging Indigenous Leader Award has been extended to May 8, 2026.

These awards recognize outstanding work, leadership and service across the public sector. The work being recognized must have taken place during the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Consider nominating whose work has made a meaningful impact.

Learn more and access nomination information here:

Premier’s Awards for Excellence
https://www.fin.gov.nt.ca/en/premiersawards

Dave Ramsden Career Excellence Award
https://www.fin.gov.nt.ca/en/services/premiers-awards/dave-ramsden-career-excellence-award

Kristine McLeod Emerging Indigenous Leader Award
https://www.fin.gov.nt.ca/en/KristineMcLeodAward

Completed nomination forms can be submitted to [email protected].

Kristine McLeod Emerging Indigenous Leader Award | Finance km_feature_image.jpg Nominations for the 2025-2026 Kristine McLeod Emerging Indigenous Leader Award are now open until April 24, 2026. Nominate someone today! The Kristine McLeod Emerging Indigenous Leader Award recognizes young Indigenous NWT residents who demonstrate exceptional initiative and com...

Lyrics From the Land: A Song Born in K’atl’odeeche

What began as a single page of lyrics became a powerful moment of learning, creativity, and cultural connection at Sandy Creek.

Three junior high students from Chief Sunrise Education Centre participated in a land based songwriting experience guided by Rik Leaf and MJ. In a cabin on traditional Dene territory, the students explored melody, harmony and storytelling in an environment that encouraged creative risk taking and respected their voices as emerging artists.

The experience was further enriched when Auntie Diane, a Dene language knowledge keeper, supported the students in incorporating Dene Yatié into their song. This addition strengthened the meaning of the piece and deepened the connection between language, land, and identity.

The journey and the finished song are featured in the video Lyrics From the Land, which has since drawn attention beyond the classroom. The students and Auntie Diane were recently interviewed by CBC North, Cabin Radio and The Hub, highlighting the importance of land based learning and Indigenous youth creativity.

Watch the video here:

Lyrics From the Land: A Song Born in K'atl'odeeche This video is about three girls, one page of lyrics and the power of finding your voice. Join us inside the songwriting journey, in a cabin out on the land i...

Nominate a Teacher for the 2026 Prime Minister’s Award

Every school has educators who quietly transform lives. They build safe, welcoming classrooms, spark curiosity and push our students to imagine bold futures. The Prime Minister’s Awards celebrate those educators who go further than the job description and leave a lasting mark on their school community.

Nominations for the 2026 Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence are now open. Download the nomination package and submit it electronically by January 14, 2026.

As past recipient Karen Bowater put it, “So much of what we do as educators often feels like it goes unnoticed. Nominating fellow hard-working educators, whether they win or not, is an incredible way to tell them they are seen and appreciated.”

Help us recognize the champions in South Slave schools who inspire, support and lead with heart.

Learn more and access the nomination package:

How to nominate – Prime Minister’s Awards Learn how to prepare a nomination package for a teacher or early childhood educator.

Spotlight on Leadership in the North

We’re proud to share that our Superintendent, Dr. Souhail Soujah, was recently featured on The CanadianED Leadership Show (Episode 95)!

In this conversation, Dr. Soujah reflects on his journey from big-city life to leading education across the South Slave region. He speaks about the power of community, the importance of Indigenous education, and the challenges and rewards of maintaining quality education in northern and remote communities.

Watch the full episode here:

The CanadianED Leadership Show: Episode 95 with Dr. Souhail Soujah A Chat with Dr. Souhail Soujah Join us for a casual and insightful conversation with Dr. Souhail Soujah the superintendent of South Slave educational divisio...

We are proud to congratulate Damon McAllister, a Grade 10 student at Paul William Kaeser High School, for receiving the Nelson Mayer Youth Recognition Award at the 35th annual National Association of Friendship Centres Youth Forum in Ottawa.

Damon was recognized for his outstanding leadership, dedication, and contributions to Uncle Gabe’s Friendship Centre, where he has been involved for over eight years, from participant to youth board member and staff. His work has touched countless lives, creating a welcoming and supportive space for youth in Fort Smith.

Damon’s achievement even caught the attention of Prime Minister Mark Carney, who shared his congratulations publicly, calling him a source of “hometown pride.”

We celebrate Damon for his commitment to being a role model for his peers and younger siblings. His journey is a powerful reminder that kindness, perseverance, and community spirit can create lasting change.

Read more about Damon’s inspiring story here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/teen-from-fort-smith-n-w-t-wins-national-award-for-work-at-uncle-gabe-s-friendship-centre-1.7603323
Watch the CBC feature: https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6859839
See the Prime Minister’s post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1G8hV83M46/

Photos by Carla Ulrich from her CBC story on Damon’s achievement.

South Slave Superintendent Dr. Souhail Soujah Honoured with Two Distinguished Service Awards

We are proud to share that our Superintendent, Dr. Souhail Soujah, has recently been recognized with not one, but two prestigious awards for his leadership and service in education.

• The 2025 NWT Superintendents’ Association Distinguished Service Award, celebrating his outstanding contributions to education in the Northwest Territories.
• The CASSA-ACGCS Distinguished Service Award, a national honour presented by the Canadian Association of School System Administrators (CASSA), recognizing exemplary leadership across Canada.

Dr. Soujah was also nominated for the 2025 Nelson Education Leadership Award — a further testament to his impact and commitment to inclusive education, Indigenous language revitalization, student success, and equity-driven leadership.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Soujah on these well-earned recognitions.

Be Ready for Wildfires
As wildfire season intensifies across the NWT, it’s more important than ever to be prepared. Here’s how:

Make a Plan – Know your household evacuation route:
Plan your evacuation - https://www.maca.gov.nt.ca/en/services/be-ready-emergencies/be-ready-understand-and-plan-evacuations

Pack a Kit – Include essentials like clothing, ID, medications & personal care items:
Build your emergency kit - https://www.maca.gov.nt.ca/en/services/be-ready-emergencies/be-ready-make-emergency-plan-and-kit

Fuel Up – Keep your vehicle ready. Help others in your community if you’re able.

Know Where to Go – Identify a safe place to stay, such as with friends, family, or a campsite.

Check Your Insurance – Make sure your coverage is up to date.

Stay Informed – Monitor fire conditions:
Wildfire Updates - https://www.gov.nt.ca/ecc/en/services/wildfire-update

Review the Evacuation Checklist – It’s a helpful guide for what to bring and do:
Wildfire Evacuation Checklist (PDF) -https://firesmartcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/FSC_Wildfire-Evac-Checklist-June-2023.pdf

Understand the Emergency Stages:
• Evacuation Notice: Be aware. Risk is increasing.
• Evacuation Alert: Be ready to leave at short notice.
• Evacuation Order: You are in danger. Leave immediately.
• All-clear: It’s safe to return—but stay vigilant.

Stay safe, be prepared, and follow all directions from local emergency officials. Let’s work together to keep our South Slave communities informed and protected.

firesmartcanada.ca

SSDEC’s Tiffany Kelly on National Book Tour for Canadian Children’s Book Week

We’re proud to share that Tiffany (Masiana) Kelly, is currently touring as part of Canadian Children’s Book Week 2025.

Tiffany is visiting schools across the Northwest Territories - including stops in Yellowknife, Hay River, and Deninu - to connect with students, share her stories, and celebrate Indigenous literature. As a published author and the principal of Joseph Burr Tyrrell Elementary School, Tiffany brings a powerful voice to classrooms, inspiring young readers with her passion for language, culture, and storytelling.

You can view the full list of books being featured during this year’s Book Week here:
Masiana Kelly’s Book Tour List (PDF) - chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0867/9676/3409/files/Masiana_Kelly_Book_Week_2025_Book_List.pdf?v=1741912556

Congratulations, Tiffany - we’re proud to have you representing the North and the SSDEC!

JBT Staff Member Joseph Marcel Virassamy, presents at National Francophone Symposium.

We’re proud to share that Joseph, an SSDEC staff member and PhD candidate at Simon Fraser University, was selected to present at the 18th Annual Symposium on Francophone Immigration in Ottawa.

As part of a special session showcasing emerging researchers in Francophone and Acadian communities, Joseph presented on multilingualism, cultural diversity, and intercultural education - work deeply rooted in his experience teaching French to a school community made up of 90% Indigenous students in Fort Smith.

Originally from Mauritius and now calling the Northwest Territories home, Joseph brings a unique and inclusive approach to education, blending Indigenous knowledge and school curricula to foster deeper intercultural understanding. We’re incredibly proud of his work and grateful for the way he continues to represent our district on the national stage.

Congratulations, Joseph!

For your reference, here is the website link where the presenters and their biographies have been published:

site.pheedloop.com

The South Slave Divisional Education Council extends a heartfelt congratulations to Tara Boudreau, Principal of Princess Alexandra School and Harry Camsell School, for being named Hay River’s 2025 Citizen of the Year!

Tara’s dedication goes far beyond the classroom. She has been a pillar of support for youth and families in Hay River, giving her time to initiatives like the Lights On Program and youth sports. Her open-door policy, kindness, and commitment to fostering confidence and well-being in our students make her an inspiring leader. We are incredibly proud to see her efforts recognized!

We also want to congratulate Pennie Pokiak, this year’s runner-up for the award! Hay River is fortunate to have such amazing community champions.

Join us in celebrating these remarkable women who make a difference every day!

Important Update on PowerSchool Data Breach

The Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released an updated Public Service Announcement (PSA) regarding the recent PowerSchool data breach. This announcement provides detailed information about the incident and will be routinely updated as new information becomes available.

Click below for more details:

English PSA: Update on PowerSchool data breach https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/newsroom/update-powerschool-data-breach
French PSA: Mise à jour sur l’atteinte à la protection des données touchant PowerSchool https://www.gov.nt.ca/fr/newsroom/mise-jour-sur-latteinte-la-protection-des-donnees-touchant-powerschool

English ECE webpage: https://www.ece.gov.nt.ca/en/services/powerschool-cybersecurity-incident
French ECE webpage: https://www.ece.gov.nt.ca/fr/services/incident-de-cybersecurite-touchant-powerschool

If you have further questions not covered by the FAQ, please email [email protected].

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Mise à jour sur l’atteinte à la protection des données touchant PowerSchool | Gouvernement des Territoires du Nord-Ouest Le gouvernement des Territoires du Nord-Ouest (GTNO) partage une mise à jour sur la cyberattaque contre PowerSchool qui a touché les données d’élèves et de membres du personnel scolaire au sein du territoire. PowerSchool est un système de gestion de l’information utilisé aux TNO depuis 20...